Ananda Temple - Gautama Buddha inside Ananda Temple at Bagan, Myanmar
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Ananda Temple

4.7
·2k reviews·မြင်းကပါ, Myanmar (Burma)

A majestic 1105 AD Buddhist temple, Ananda is the 'Crown Jewel of Bagan,' famed for its exquisite architecture and vibrant interior art.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Cooler temperatures & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Ananda Temple - Gautama Buddha inside Ananda Temple at Bagan, Myanmar

Ananda Temple

Best Time

Early morning

Cooler temperatures & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A majestic 1105 AD Buddhist temple, Ananda is the 'Crown Jewel of Bagan,' famed for its exquisite architecture and vibrant interior art.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"Ananda Temple is possibly the most beautiful and architecturally complex temple in Bagan."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Remove Shoes Before Entry

Be ready to go barefoot inside. Keep an eye on your shoes, as they can get misplaced.

👗 Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred site.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Architecture

The Grand Architecture

Exterior

Marvel at the immense scale and intricate design of this 1105 AD masterpiece, often called the 'Crown Jewel of Bagan'.

Reddit
Intricate Interior Artwork

Intricate Interior Artwork

Interior

Be captivated by the vibrant murals and stunning sculptures that bring ancient Myanmar art to life.

Reddit
Four Standing Buddhas

Four Standing Buddhas

Inner Corridors

Witness the awe-inspiring, life-sized Buddha images housed in the temple's four main corridors.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Visit Ananda Temple early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun and peak tourist hours. Many travelers suggest exploring the exterior first for impressive views before venturing inside. TikTokReddit

Respectful Attire is Key

As a sacred Buddhist temple, dress modestly. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Be prepared to remove your shoes before entering any of the temple's interior spaces. TikTok

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Cooler temperatures & fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light on temple
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

ပုဂံကို အပေါ်ကကြည့်တဲ့အရသာ အရမ်းလှသောပဲ🥰 #Foryou #fyp🖤 #Titok2024🥰 #baganaungdin #bagan
@baganaungdin
227.2K likes • 1.5M views

👟 Remove Shoes Before Entry

Be ready to go barefoot inside. Keep an eye on your shoes, as they can get misplaced. TikTok

👗 Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred site. TikTok

Just wanna share with the world the incredible time that we had in Bagan | Myanmar ✨🤍🇲🇲
@domnerrukrok
90.9K likes • 758.6K views
မြန်မာပြည်ရဲ့အလှတရားတွေပြပေးမယ်😍😍#ချစ်စရာကောင်းတာတစ်ခုပြမယ်🥺🎀 #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #မြန်မာပြည်ကြီးအမြန်အေးချမ်းပါစေ🙏🙏🙏
@khoontha2001
73K likes • 555.3K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore Both Sides

Walk around both the interior and exterior for the full experience. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bagan can get very hot; carry water, especially during midday visits. TikTok

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Remove Shoes Before Entry

Be ready to go barefoot inside. Keep an eye on your shoes, as they can get misplaced. TikTok

👗 Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred site. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore Both Sides

Walk around both the interior and exterior for the full experience. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bagan can get very hot; carry water, especially during midday visits. TikTok

📸 Capture the Details

The intricate artwork and architectural details are photo-worthy. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Ananda Temple is widely praised as one of Bagan's most beautiful and architecturally significant sites, often called the 'Crown Jewel.' Visitors are captivated by its grand design, intricate interior artwork, and well-preserved Buddha statues, offering a deep dive into Myanmar's history and art. Some find the exterior more impressive than the interior, and vendors can be numerous near entrances.

"Ananda Temple is possibly the most beautiful and architecturally complex temple in Bagan. Its stunning design, intricate details, and well-preserved structure make it one of the most impressive sites to visit. The combination of elegance and history makes it a must-see for anyone exploring Bagan."

Tibor

"Ananda Pagoda is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved temples in Bagan. Known as the "Crown Jewel of Bagan," it features stunning architecture, golden spires, and a serene atmosphere. I was excited to explore this iconic temple and experience its spiritual and historical significance."

OKKA KYAW

"Amazing views both inside and outside. The great temple was built in 13th century in Bagan dynasty. Love that temple."

Myo Naing Than

What People Like

Stunning architecture
Intricate interior art
Well-preserved statues

What People Dislike

Exterior more impressive
Numerous vendors

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ananda Temple is centrally located in Old Bagan. You can reach it by e-bike, horse cart, or taxi from most accommodations in Bagan. Many visitors combine a visit with other temples in the archaeological zone. TikTok+1

While there isn't direct public bus service to the temple itself, local transport options like shared taxis or buses can get you to the general Bagan area, from where you can hire local transport. TikTok

Renting an e-bike is a popular and flexible way to see multiple temples at your own pace. Horse carts offer a more traditional experience. TikTok+1

Yes, there are designated areas for parking e-bikes and horse carts near the temple entrances. Reddit

Ananda Temple is considered one of the main attractions and is relatively close to other significant temples like Dhammayangyi and Thatbyinnyu, making it easy to include in a temple hopping itinerary. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, you will need to purchase an archaeological zone pass to enter Ananda Temple and other historical sites in Bagan. This pass is typically valid for several days. Reddit

Ananda Temple is generally open from early morning until late evening, allowing visitors to experience it during different times of the day. Specific hours can vary slightly. TikTok

The price of the pass can change, so it's best to check current rates upon arrival. It's a one-time fee for access to the entire zone. Reddit

Currently, tickets for the Bagan archaeological zone are typically purchased in person at designated ticket booths upon entering the zone. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed inside Ananda Temple, but always be respectful and avoid using flash in areas with delicate artwork. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior architecture, especially during sunrise or sunset, offers stunning photographic opportunities. Inside, focus on the intricate details of the Buddha images and murals. TikTokReddit

Yes, you can take photos of the Buddha statues, but always do so respectfully. Avoid using flash photography, especially near the ancient murals. Reddit

Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a warm glow on the temple structures. TikTok

Drone usage is generally restricted in archaeological zones in Myanmar, including Bagan, to preserve the sites. It's best to check local regulations before flying. TikTok

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for both wide exterior shots and interior details. A wide-angle lens can be great for capturing the scale of the temple. TikTok

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees out of respect. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you'll be removing them frequently. TikTok

No, touching the ancient artwork, murals, and sculptures is strictly prohibited to preserve them. Reddit

Yes, licensed guides can be hired at the entrance to Ananda Temple or through your hotel. They can provide in-depth historical and cultural context. Reddit

Ananda Temple is one of the most revered and architecturally significant temples in Bagan, built in 1105 AD, and is known for its exquisite frescoes and Buddha images. Reddit+1

Yes, you'll find numerous vendors near the major entrances selling souvenirs, local crafts, food, and beverages. Bargaining is common. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ananda Temple can be a fascinating place for families, offering a chance to explore history and art. The sheer size of the temple and the impressive Buddha statues can capture children's imaginations. However, it's important to prepare them for the need to remove shoes and walk barefoot, which can be a fun experience for some kids. Ensure they understand the importance of respecting the sacred site and not touching the ancient artwork. Reddit

Consider visiting during cooler parts of the day to make the experience more comfortable for younger children. Bringing snacks and plenty of water is also advisable. While there aren't specific play areas, the vastness of the temple grounds can provide space for kids to move around (respectfully, of course). TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Ananda Temple is a dream. The temple's exterior offers stunning architectural shots, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The intricate details of the stucco work and the overall symmetry are captivating. TikTok

Inside, the challenge and reward lie in capturing the essence of the standing Buddha images and the vibrant, ancient murals. Be mindful of lighting conditions and the potential for crowds. A good wide-angle lens will be invaluable for the interior spaces, while a versatile zoom can help capture details from a distance. Remember to be respectful and avoid flash photography where it might damage the artwork. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Marvel of Ananda Temple

Ananda Temple, built in 1105 AD during the reign of King Kyansittha, stands as a testament to Bagan's architectural prowess. Its design is a fusion of Mon and Indian styles, creating a unique and awe-inspiring structure. The temple is laid out in a cruciform shape with a large central spire, symbolizing Mount Meru, the mythical center of the universe. Its exterior is adorned with intricate stucco work and terracotta tiles depicting scenes from the Jataka tales.

The temple's most striking feature is its four main standing Buddha images, each facing a cardinal direction. These statues are not only massive but also incredibly detailed, showcasing the artistic skill of the era. Inside the temple, a labyrinth of corridors reveals thousands of smaller Buddha images and exquisite murals that have been remarkably preserved, offering a glimpse into the religious and artistic life of ancient Myanmar. Reddit

Many visitors are struck by the temple's grandeur and the sense of peace it emanates. The sheer scale and the detailed artistry are often highlighted in traveler accounts, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in history, art, or spirituality. Reddit+1

Experiencing Ananda Temple: Tips from Travelers

Travelers consistently emphasize the importance of respectful attire when visiting Ananda Temple. Covering shoulders and knees is a must, and be prepared to remove your shoes before entering any of the interior spaces. This is a common piece of advice shared across platforms, ensuring visitors are mindful of the temple's sacred status. TikTok

To truly appreciate the temple's beauty without the crowds, visiting during the early morning or late afternoon is highly recommended. The softer light during these times enhances the temple's features, and you'll encounter fewer tour groups. Some visitors suggest exploring the exterior first to get a sense of its scale before delving into the detailed artwork inside. TikTokReddit

Don't forget to stay hydrated, as Bagan can be quite hot, especially during the midday sun. While exploring, take your time to absorb the intricate details of the murals and sculptures; they tell stories and showcase the artistic heritage of Myanmar. TikTokReddit